Autumn V (Laughter,Tears, and Sanity)

CHAPTER 5

It didn’t happen, my alarm clock said it was five in the morning but it felt so much earlier than that. Besides, I really didn’t want to leave my bed, mine. Once warmed up by my own body heat it was heaven. With the fan blowing puffs of air on my face I had been lulled into sleep, I hadn’t slept well. My dreams had been horrible. My alarm woke me up.

"Wake up! Wake up!” It screamed.

I had rolled over and pressed snooze and had done so another time. The alarm went off for the third time and my hand came down on it automatically. No more snoozes. Danny would be on his way in a couple of minutes.

I dragged my sleepy butt out of bed and into the shower. Most people would have flinched at the cold water that hit them, I embraced it. It was on of the best ways I knew to wake up in the morning. Instead of waking up bit by bit it jolted me awake all at once. Also, it was the best method to wake Nic up I knew. Though I tried not to use it too often. It was no fun to sleep on a wet mattress as old as you are, older. There were all sorts of putrid smells that unearthed themselves to your nose in the middle of the night.

The freezing liquid soon warmed filling the bathroom with steam and I relaxed into the hot water. I needed to relax.
Years of training had kept me from going to sleep, not when the kitchen sat in such disarray. If nothing, I had to at least put away the food and clean the containers. After checking in on Nic, I dragged myself to my room and into bed which had been wonderful. Until I started dreaming.

I'd forgotten how much I had missed her.

My wolf was there waiting for me when I made it to the clearing that night. I’d forgotten how beautiful she was. Nothing I could compare her to could do her the justice she deserved. She was absolutely perfect and there she stood no more than three feet away, sitting on haunches looking at me the way I was staring at her. With a mixture of awe and unexplainable adoration.
Knowing I should have been scared, I should have run. Any normal person would. But all I could think about was, I have to touch her tonight. It was an overpowering need that drove me forward toward the wolf. She was a little bigger than a German Sheppard, past my waist in height with masses of midnight black and silver fur;she reminded me of a silver and black panda with her markings.

She didn’t move when I moved forward, sitting still as stone as if the earth had carved her. Slowly making my way forward until I stood mere inches away. Everything stopped breathing, I stopped breathing, if I didn’t know any better under all that fur I would swear she did too.

I extended my right arm to her head, looking into the most beautiful inhuman eyes I’d ever seen. If I didn’t know better I could swear--

It happen so quick I had no time to react or cry out. She didn’t hesitate, didn’t warm me with a growl or a howl. She just sprang for my throat. The last thing I had seen was its blue eyes gazing into mine before she snapped my neck. Shuddering, I shut off the water which had long ago gone back to freezing.

Beauty had killed me. Why the wolf came to me, I didn’t know. Things weren't going to change, I knew that now. She wouldn't go away. I started dreaming about her years ago when I was ten, and she had been my nighttime companion ever since. Never had I been scared, that was what frightened me more than anything. I was afraid for her; I didn't like the thought of it being alone. Why was I more worried about the wolf than my own well being? No, the real question was why hadn't I tried to wake up? Never throughout the whole thing had it even crossed my mind. Not even when it sprang for my neck. This was the conformation of my insanity I needed.

I was clueless but it had only been a dream after all. But I knew that wasn’t true deep down I felt it couldn't be. She was a beautiful nightmare. I decided; a terrible beautiful nightmare. That for some reason I was upset because it came to an end.
I shot a look across the room at my clock. Shoot! I was late.
I dashed about my room trying to get ready, forcibly placing my dream wolf and my sanity out of mind.


Danny arrived as early as he promised he would. I was ready, well, I was lacing up my shoes and almost ready.
The house was quiet, Nic and Alanna both still tucked in and the master suite had a closed door.

“Ready?” he looked ready in his running gear that looked put together but in an uncaring way. Effortless.

“I guess.” I allowed him to lead me from the house and down the drive way. The sun wasn’t completely up but the heat sent my body into an instant sweat.

“We’ll start with a light walk.” his light walked turned into more of a light jog. I didn’t say anything just nodded and tried to keep up with his long legs.
We barely made it around the second block before my body started screaming for mercy from the heat. “whatever we did, promise it will never happen again!” my poor skin screamed. It would pay me back with a spectacular sunburn later.

“So,” Danny said, not even sounding winded. “what’s your favorite movie?”

“I-” nearly stumbled over my own feet. “why?”

He shrugged. “Curious.”

“I don’t really watch television.” I admitted. Only on rare occasion when I had been able to sneak away to Ash’s house did I watch a movie every once in a while.

“Never?”

“It was rare.” I didn’t tell him that I spent most of my time in places that didn’t have televisions.

“Then what is your favorite book?” he persisted. “I know you read.”

“How do you figure that.”

“Come on, you scream book nerd.”

“gee, thanks.” letting the sarcasm drip.

“It’s a term of endearment, I promise.” He assured a grin splitting his face in two.

“Uh huh, what’s is yours? Movie I mean.”

“A Beautiful Mind.” he said without pause

Never heard of it but I nodded all the same. “Now back to my question, what is your favorite book?”

“The Age of Innocence.” I said without thinking. “that or White Orlanders.”

“Chick flick.” he grimaced and I did too.

“If you must seem them that way.” I gave in without a fight. “What about you?”

“You’ll laugh.” he said pressing on. “I know you will.”

“I won’t-” I started to promise but a look he sent me cut me off. “don’t make a promise you can’t keep.”

“Okay-” I said working something out knowing I had to know. “I promise to try and not laugh.”

“Good enough.” He nodded , slowing down in his speed a we rounded another corner into a street that held only two large houses. “I like Goosebumps.” he shrugged bringing my attention back.

“That’s not anything bad.” I said feeling disappointed. For a moment I thought he was going to tell me something much better.

“And I love the Twilight series.” like that.

I stopped dead on the side of the street. “you're a Twihard?” I asked not daring to even breathe.

“If you must think of it that way.” he said conceding turning back to me.

I had encountered this before, when I was a freshman Twilight fever had hit my school, hard. I knew the symptoms and Danny didn’t seem to sport any of them.

“I must.” I grinned letting him pull me on. “how bad do you have it, Danny?”

I asked unable to help myself. He grimaced. “let’s just say that I owned a Volvo for a little while, I had the hugest crush on Alice Cullen. When Edward left,” he shook his head. “I cried like someone had died. When he came back, I laughed myself silly. I tried to change my middle name to Jacob, and for my fifteenth birthday I begged my mom to send me to Forks for the weekend.” he paused again. “Oh, and I dated this girl Vanessa for a while just so I could call her Nessie. That and I used Twilight quotes where and whenever they would fit in my life.”

I opened my mouth and closed it, words failed to describe how aghast I felt. He had Twilight fever, he had it bad. “At least you’re not one of those kids who doused their body in glitter to sparkle in the sun.”

A look flashed across his face. “Oh Gosh!” I groaned.

“It was one time!” he threw up his hands. “To the midnight release party of Breaking Dawn, I swear I didn’t know that it would take days to get the stuff off, it clung to everything.”
I see. “how did you explain that to your mom?”

“Oh, well, there was a horrible accident at the arts and crafts store up the road.” he said solemnly. “these kids were getting into it in the confetti section and being the good Samaritan that I am, well I had to break it up.”

I nodded. “Of course.” he nodded back.

“I didn’t know that one of them had silver glitter in his hands, the kind that sticks without the glue, you know.” I nodded. “he threw it and made his escape in the fog of glitter and left the store chaos.”

A grin split my lips. “Did she buy it?”

“I don’t know, I think she’d rather believe that than the truth.” I could believe that, parents had a tendency to believe what they wanted to rather than the actual truth.

A sound was working it’s way up my throat. “Are you laughing at me?” the Twihard asked.

“No, I’m giggling.” I defended my right. “there is a difference.”

“you just don’t understand.” he lifted his head gathering his dignity and picked up speed.

“Your secrets safe with me!” I called after him, at his back I let my side heave and tried to muffle the laughter that bubbled up in a hysterical fit. He still heard and quickened his pace leaving me to catch up.

When we hit our street and I didn’t even notice, Danny had been asking me innocent questions nonstop. He paid attention too, as if what I had to say interested him. By the end of our walk I had talked more than I had in years.

“And here we are.” I blinked looking at my house. “Wasn’t so bad, was it?”

I shook my head, his grin turned to something smug.

“you still haven’t answered my question.”

“bout what?”

“the bonfire.”

“Oh-” I opened my mouth and closed it. “A few more days?” I bit my lip.

His look said. “no.”

“I promised not to tell anyone that you spent your Saturdays trying to find a meadow-” his face fell into pure horror.

“I never told you about that.”

“You just did.” I grinned down at my shoes, waiting.

He coughed. “maybe, a few more days won’t hurt.” I nodded, my grin getting broader.

“Tomorrow?” he asked and I nodded. I would have his answer tomorrow.

“Maybe,” I promised that soon to tell him no.

He stepped back leaving me on the porch. “okay,” he said already heading down the sidewalk. “see you tomorrow Autumn.” He ran down the street toward the only other house on our street. I watched until I couldn’t see him anymore before turning to head inside.

The smell of food told me all I needed to know. Following it led me right to the kitchen and I stopped dead at the sight. Nothing was out of the ordinary with Dad cooking breakfast and children sitting there eating it. Even the red headed one fit in. It was the red headed girl and black haired boy sitting at the bar talking to Dad that looked severely out of place. What were they doing here?

Of course, Ciaran was also the first to notice me standing at the threshold. Turning in his chair he said. “Autumn.” Goosebumps formed over my skin when he said my name. That was when Dad noticed me too.

"Hey Ladybug." he smiled, he looked chipper this morning for a man who had to have gotten in early this morning. He must really be a morning person.

I turned to his sister, “What have I missed, did we have some
plans today?” I asked Mae unsure if I had zoned out yesterday and missed something. She actually looked offended. “Of course not.” she sniffed before turning back to Dad.

“No, she just came over to ask if she could borrow you Thursday.” two days from now.

Warning bells that I couldn’t easily ignore went off in my head. Run, shoot the idea down, hurry! Nothing in my mind told me this would be good. Still I heard my voice say. “what for?”

“well I figured since you don't really know anyone, Danny is having a party that day-”

“He didn't invite me.” I grumped, she pushed my protest aside.

“Kevin said I can take you. . .”

Against everything I was taught, I turned to glare at my Dad who sipped his coffee so innocently not even looking sheepish. He knew how I felt about crowds, knew I wasn’t sure if I could handle them. This was bad on so many levels and I wasn’t even sure I could get out of it. “No.” abruptly I took a step back. “no, I’m not going.” you'll never take me alive.

“Autumn, just go.” It was Dad, who came to Mae’s defense. “It’s not going to be bad, not if you take your med-”

so that was what this was about. “Dad!” I cut him off horrified that he would say it out loud. He cleared his throat and went on.

“If you do it now then I promise I won't badger you anymore about it.”

I glared at him. “Promise?” he could lie to me.

“I promise, go have fun.” his smile didn’t wobble from his face when I didn’t grin back. A party would never be my idea of fun.

“If I must.” I muttered sitting back down again wondering why I was being so easily coddled. I had no spine, pathetic Autumn, absolutely pathetic. “I run with Danny in the mornings.” I told Mae thinking of something.

Her brows rose to the top of her forehead and she looked like a pondering philosopher. Beside me I felt the heat of another gaze.

“So that‘s why you stink.” she murmured under her breath, before saying in a louder voice. “That’s fine, I’m an early riser myself.” Mae went on easily. “I’ll wake up and be right over, Sienna said she wanted to come too.” I stifled a groan. Mae was more than enough, I wasn’t the girly chit chat giggly kind of person. “I’ll be here a little after noon.”

“yeah Mae,” I said before I could stop myself. “you’re really up with the roosters.” She made a face but otherwise ignored my jab.

"We better start toward the dojo." Kevin gave a signal and the three jumped from their seat. Impressive. "Nic decided he wanted to take up karate with these two." Dad nodded to the girls. I nodded back, he'd never mentioned taking up karate before. It had never come out his mouth, I turned to Nic who walked by me as if I was invisible he was so absorbed in his conversation with Sage. I frowned but let it go. Planting a weird kiss on my cheek, Dad waltz after them and Mae followed, that left me alone with. . . no.

Rounding at the eyes on my side, "are you here to torture me unnecessarily too?"

“Unfortunately no, I’m your tutor,” I blanched as a smug smile crossed his face. "Don't worry I don't bite."
"and that isn't considered a form of torture because?" I mumbled under my breath.

I thought watching him sitting so calmly in his seat beside me. With his bag of books and torture devices. “Kevin did this on purpose.” I muttered under my breath. the table shook a little with laughter but when I looked his face was just as smooth as ever.

“Maybe, maybe not.” he shrugged. “either way, you’re stuck with me.”

“W-why i-is that?” I asked trying not to stammer when he leaned forward.

“Because I’m the only tutor working this summer, volunteering really.” his smile turned to more of a smirk. “Kevin asked me to do it and I agreed.”

Now I snorted, wasn’t this just fabulous. “That’s the spirit.” his voice was flat in his sarcasm. “now come on, I’m only giving you a test today to gage where you’re at or if you even need me at all. We’ll start the real work later.” When was later? Maybe I had time to find a way out of this before he came back.
He pulled out a mean looking packet from his bag sliding it across the table to me along with a pencil.

“Don’t I get a calculator?” I asked, flipping through the packet and feeling my knees go weak even while I was sitting.
“Sure you do.” he said easily leaning back, using his index finger he pointed to his ear and poked his head. His curls sprayed over his face and in his eyes, he pulled them back with an uncaring hand. “It’s between your ears.”

The urge to bite had never been something I enjoyed fulfilling, but with Ciaran Moongood I was sure I could make an exception. “Don’t be a smart aleck,” I muttered under my breath knowing he still heard me in the quietness of the kitchen.
“Hell knows no fury better than an algebra problem.” I sighed flipping to the first page.

“Just do the test Autumn.” he said in an equally tired voice.
I did, my head didn’t come up from the packet once like his eyes didn’t leave the top of my head once. It was the most uncomfortable test I had ever taken, second most uncomfortable test. I amended. Sliding my test toward him I got out my chair, headed somewhere when-

"We aren't done." Ciaran said calmly looking at me. Reluctantly, I sat. "I need you to right a paper for me, just so I know where you are at in your English." I wanted to tell him my English was fine but I closed my mouth.

"Will I get it back?"

"I won't even take it out the house." he promised, I just want to look and make notes on where you are." he seemed sincere, that didn't mean I could believe him. However I did want to write, about my dream before it left my head. If he said he wouldn't take it from the house. It should be okay.

He handed me a pen and tablet, my fingers sighed in relief at feeling their friends and started to form letters into words that soon formed sentences. Through my pen and paper I escaped mapping out the scene and plot began to take shape a little later.

“what did you dream about?” I sigh in exasperation, slamming my pencil down only to pick it up and twirl it between my fingers. Would I ever get to finish this. Slowly turning in the direction the voice had come from, I fixed my best glare into place for the person who possessed it. Ciaran was turned halfway in his chair to face me his face curious, an eyebrow raised at my frustration. Reigning it in wasn't easy, especially when I felt he more than deserved to be on the receiving end of it.

“I’m not sure” I mumbled turning a bit more in my seat toward him..

“Then what are you writing about?” he ask curiously leaning in his chair a bit. I pulled my paper back before he could peek.

“It doesn’t make sense” I mumbled again and if he didn’t leave me alone I would never finish it.

“Do you dream a lot?” he asked quietly making me look up at him again. What should he care if I dreamed or not?
Stop being so uptight Autumn. He’s only curious, it was an innocent question. I talked to myself a lot but sometimes I needed to shut it up.

I wouldn’t have gotten upset if Danny or Ashton had asked me that question.

I shook my head. “No not really, and if I do I usually can’t remember what it was about.

That’s why it was so important I wrote this one down. Ciaran frowned a bit.

I started writing some more getting the last bits and pieces together wrapping it up. He kept glancing at me as I did with him through the veil of my hair. By the time I finished my five pages he was still going strong writing something on his paper. I wanted to lean in and see what he was writing about but after I had snubbed him there was no way that would have been acceptable. Did that mean I couldn’t talk to him?

“Where did your Dad take Nic and Alanna?” I asked biting my lips before erasing it a line.

I felt rather than saw his shrug. “To the practice I guess, their in good hands don’t worry.”

“I’m not.” I shot back bristling at his assuming tone. “I’m not worried about either of them, I was just curious.”

“why would you ask if you’re not worried.” confusion lanced through his voice.

“Does it matter?” I shot back.

“No. . .” he said slowly.

“Then don’t worry about it.” I slid the paper toward him and waited to make sure he did as he said.

"I find myself worrying about you alot." he murmured almost to himself leaning toward me in his stool. I waited to see him fall forward. He never did, though he got close enough for me to see the blue waving in his black hair.

"Well maybe y-you shouldn't." I stammered unnerved. He unnerved me with his piercing stare and looks. It was like he couldn't just look through me like everyone else did. He had to look at me but, he like everyone else didn't see me. I bet he didn't.

"Autumn, it's hard not to worry when every time I see you-"

"Which is all of twice."

He nodded. "only twice but I'm curious, how did-" he licked his lips. "How did you get those stitches?"

I frowned, steeling my finger from tracing the line on my neck. I did it without thinking now. In the next motion tossing my hair on my right side to hide my stitches from view. No one had ask since I had come here, sure I had been here less than twenty four hours but, no one else had stared or asked. No one had went out of their way to make me feel uncomfortable, it would be him.
“What happen to you?” he asked so softly I had to lean in to hear. He still wasn’t looking at me he was looking at my neck. The dark stitches were a vast contrast to my skin as were the angry red lines the drew from it up my neck. His mouth set in a hard line his eyes hard like he cared what had happen to me. He didn’t even know me enough to care.

“I fell.” I said truthfully, not the whole truth but some of it.

I didn’t want him to know what really happen and it wasn’t any of his business. I didn’t want to remember what had happen to me. I didn’t know how to deal with it-

“Onto something sharp?” he frowned clearly not believing me.

“Exactly.” I said going back to doodling on my paper. Clearly, he got the message because he dropped it if a little reluctantly but he turned back to his own paper and I mine.

I didn’t want to tell him it had been exactly like that. It had been sharp and jagged. It had hurt like hell and burned hot. Sharp pricks that kept going deeper and deeper. It had been cold then turned hot only to turn cold with pain again. It had hurt so much I couldn’t breathe, I hadn’t been able to breathe.

I couldn’t breathe now. Everything around me seem to be closing in around me, on top of me. I double over in my seat. stop stop stop. It didn’t stop getting darker nothing fell back into place. I knew this wasn’t happening. But that didn’t stop the ice from forming in my stomach. I didn’t want to go back to that I couldn’t go back but still the memories were sucking me in like a vacuum.

“Autumn?”

The ringing that had steadily built in my ear was a full blown siren. I put my head in my hands.

Breathe, breathe, Why couldn’t I breathe?

This wasn’t really reality. this darkness wasn’t real. It was my mind playing tricks and flashbacks on me again. Why wouldn't they leave me alone? They could near about kill you or make you kill yourself.

Forget them, forget them. I couldn’t, the more I tried to remove them the more vivid they got. I could almost feel his hands when he-

“Autumn!” something warm pressed against my neck and I jumped. No. No.

I couldn’t do this again. I couldn’t.

“Open your eyes” what? open my eyes?
My eyes were open. All I saw was black. It was so dark and it hurt everything did.

Hands peeled away my fingers and my world was flooded with light, too much light. I ducked my eyes back into them until they adjusted.

“Breathe, can you do that?” A voice asked calmly. It was the type of calm that I wish I could imitate.

Taking in a breath, I could breathe again. I took another one and another one. In, out, in, and out. Nothing had ever been so delicious.

“Are you alright?” That calm voice asked again.
No, I wasn’t alright. I was never going to be alright, every
time someone brought up some thing from my past this is what happen. I froze up, hyperventilate, sometimes both. After it happen the first time my mom had thought it best I go see a shrink. It seem to get better for a while and I thought it was only a phase. If only.

It started happening more and more frequently anywhere and everywhere. It happen at work, at home, I did my best to hide what was happening to me from Nic and as far as I knew he was oblivious. I intended to keep it that way at all cost. They started when I was fourteen, and for a while the medicine they had put me on seemed to. . .help but now it only subdued. I still panicked, I still heard the whispers every once and again but nothing like they usually were. At one point they had they were so violent and unpredictable it made me ill. Everyone was convinced I was sick mentally and even when I tried to tell them they were stuck in their mind set that I was just sick, and a bad girl for lying. Sick and bad. I'd given up long ago that I would get better and they would go away. Now I knew, I would always be like this. Sick and it was all their fault.

“Autumn?” Someone was shaking me again. I decided it was time to see if I could move before something else came at me.

Sighing, my hands pulled away from my face and into the light and the indigo eyes in a face less than five inches from mine. They were concerned eyes on a concerned face. Ciaran. He was the one calling me and shaking me. He brought me out of this. How?

“you’re crying” he whispered to me running a finger over my cheek. His fingers were warm and soft for a guy's hands. He didn’t even realize the comfort he was giving me. But it was there and I was grateful. When he pulled his fingers away they were damp with tears.

Impatiently, I wiped my cheeks. I didn’t want him or anyone see me like this, he was just like everyone else.

“It happens sometimes.” I said vaguely looking away into the silent house.

“It's just us.” Ciaran smiled looking around with me. “I wasn't sure if you wanted me to call Kevin or-”

"No!" I yelped sitting up straighter, Dad could never know about this or I was surely on a one way ticket to the asylum.
his smile disappear. “Why not?”

I shook my head. No.

“Do you need a doctor?” He ask quietly. I hurriedly shook my head ."Are you sure?" I nodded

He looked dubious but nodded under my stony glare. I wasn't going anywhere and if he called Kevin then I would deny it until the day I died. "Ciaran I-" cleared my throat wiping something from my cheek. "What I mean is, thank you but. . . could we not tell anyone about this?" something changed, his focused changed. From concerned to sharpening claws in a second flat.

"I just. . . " shaking my head and biting my lip got me no where, so I stopped. "I don't think he needs to be concerned with this." I finished. "Please, can we keep this a secret?"
He was silent for a moment and I was sure that he would use it as some form of black mail or turn me down. Ciaran nodded, turning away from me, so I couldn't see the disgust I bet.

“Thank you.” I mumbled wiping my nose on the back of my hand, he turned back to me for that.

“Anytime.” A smile leaked across his face, the one that came easy and natural, the one that made any woman‘s, not matter their preference, heart squeeze. Mine on the other hand shot into overdrive. Doing it’s best to sink as low into my stomach as it could possibly go before trying to crash from my chest. "now let me finish reading this and we can be finished for the day."

Nodding weakly, I kept my head down, his eyes weren't reading my paper. They were glued to my head; watching me as if he expected me to have another episode. He was to be disappointed. I didn’t allow myself to think of that. Whenever something like this happened could usually sleep it off but not now.

Instead I thought about Nic. Did he really want to take karate? It wasn't really the question, the really question was did Dad tell him or ask him about it. Nic would do whatever Dad wanted, I saw that already he adored his father. He liked Alanna against his will but how he felt about the youngest Moongood child I wasn't sure. When he got home from he could tell me about his day. That’s what I was looking forward to the most. Him being happy here would be the best thing in the world.

Then there was Trista, what was going to do about her. What could I do about her? At the moment nothing, if we just flew low enough and did as she ask we could stay off her radar. . . not a chance. Trista wouldn’t pass up a chance to be a pain in my side for a thing in the world. When the time came I could deal with her compared to what was in Strange she was easy. . .

What about the Moongoods? I still wasn’t sure how I felt about them. Maeve, I liked her and was well on my way to really liking her. She was nice to me and fun, funny. Ciaran was another story. I had no idea what game he was playing at-

“Autumn?” a tentive voice caught my attention. I raised my head from my drawing to the front of the room. He had a nervous smile on her face.

“This is good.” Ciaran handed me back the paper just like he said he would. “I don’t think we’ll have to focus on English at all.” I nodded.

“Thank you.” it would have been easier if he had said it was crap. “Is that it?”

I thought about his hand on my cheek and his indigo eyes so concerned, for me. He said I could fall on him anytime right? I had no idea what Ciaran Moongood’s words were about but I knew he meant them. Whether I could believe him or not was still to be seen.

“Where are you going?” he called when I got up and started for the back door.

“Outside” I called over my shoulder stalking outside toward the stable, leaving him alone to do whatever. The sun slapped at my back as I hurried past the backyard and through the gate toward the stable and in.

"And you called me rude?" a sarcastic voice brought a neigh from the horses and a yelp from me.

Whirling around in time to see Ciaran stalking toward me. “What are you doing?” I asked. More than a little panicked at the predatory way he was walking toward me. Like a wolf stalking its prey. I blinked, and then it was gone and Ciaran was walking like a normal person should, except he was walking toward me. That was not normal. “We weren’t done talking.” he said easily, I frowned.

“We weren’t ?”
He shook his head making his curls bounce. I wanted to bat them like a cat would a ball of its favorite yarn. They were that dark and silky, the high sunlight I was more than sure I saw a strike of blue lash through a few of them. “No,” he leaned forward toward me a bit making my breath hitch. “We weren’t.” he leaned against the stable door but didn't enter.

"I just wanted to come out here before I started on my chores." I shrugged giving the horse an extra pat before turning back to the stable door where he waited.

"Don't you have someone else to go and badger?" I asked squaring my shoulders.

"not at the moment." he shrugged easily. When I got closer he showed no signs of moving. I would have to go around him. "Besides." he leaned forward when I came within distance. "you're the most fun." is that what he called it.

He pulled away quickly but not before I got a good whiff of him. He smelled wonderful, nothing was very distinct except for the smell of cinnamon, the rest was a blend of things that would take me days to decipher. He was looking at me expectantly, one brow disappearing up onto his forehead into his curls.

"Shut up." I muttered side stepping him and walking back toward the house. He and his silent laughter followed behind me, it stayed with me as I cleaned the kitchen and started on Alli's play room. It wouldn't leave my head even long after he left. It rang in my ears in the quiet house as if he was there, and I enjoyed its comfort. What was wrong with me?

Autumn IV (Party Of Four)

 CHAPTER 4

"So, how do you think you did?"

"I'd rather not talk about it, that's how I think I did." Mae snarled. Danny cracked a grin for her benefit.

"Finals." he clarified for my benfit.

"What about you?" he turned to Ciaran. Of course he shrugged not even speaking to our small group. "Autumn?" not easily ruffled he moved on to me.

"I was home schooled." I shrugged. "no finals for me." To Danny it wasn't taken for the nonchalance I was going for.

"That is sweetness to the highest degree possible."

Mae grimaced. "Don't ever say that again." she turned to me. "Really?"

I nodded. The question came and hit me from there.

“Onto more cheerful matters.” Mae sat down her forks. “Not long until the Bonfire.”

The table seemed to perk up at the word. It meant nothing to me. Still, I listened on until I couldn’t follow anymore and my mind wondered in and out. The rest of the night was full of Mae and Danny bantering back and forth and talking. They fell into an easy conversation of people who had known each other for a while. They spoke like friends. Envy lanced through me followed by embarrassment, that wasn't fair. It wasn't my fault that I didn't have many friends, Ashton had been the best friend in the world and it was seeing them talk back and forth that drove home how much I was missing him. Over at the other table Nic seemed to be falling in with Alanna and the youngest Moongood, Sage. He was smiling that was enough to make me smile. This was good for him, us. This could be good for both of us after all.

“you should really come with us, Autumn,” My name brought me back into the conversation. We all turned to Mae who seemed to run the show around here. “The Bonfire, you’d like the woods and I know a bunch of cute guys who would like you.” she said the last part in a low voice that wouldn’t carry. I blushed giving her words away anyway.

Danny laughed again. “I wouldn’t do that around them, they’ll torment you for blushing alone.” he leaned forward his face glowing with the setting sun. “It is really adorable though.” my blush deepened spreading down my neck.

“Danny shut up, now you’re just being mean.” Mae chastised hitting him on his shoulder to prove a point. “Anyway, it’s really fun, fire, earth, skin, the moon.” she wiggled her eyebrows.
“Sounds dangerous.” I muttered rolling a tomato around on my plate.
“But fun.” Mae insisted.

“If you say so.” I muttered wishing we could change the subject. Me and people, plus all those elements equaled negative me. The mere thought of going to a party set my nerves on fried edge. “I’ll think about it.” I said to the group. Judging by Mae’s face I could tell it wouldn’t much matter what I wanted.

The rest of the party didn’t leave until the moon was high and the mosquitoes really came out to bite. The more we swatted the more they bit, well so everyone said. While everyone complained of numerous bites I only sported two.

“Oh look.” Danny pointed at my throat, I froze and again he ignored me but didn’t touch. “One bit your throat.”

I had to laugh playing it off when his hand caressed over the small nick while everyone watched, including Ciaran and Dad. “Looks like they bit you everywhere.” I teased.

He grimaced scratching a blood sucked mound on the back of his hand. “Really gotta lay off the soda.”

“Like I’ve told you I don’t know how many times.” A woman, his mother laughed swatting her son towards the house, to the door. I followed to walk them out like I had been asked.

“See you tomorrow Autumn, I’ll be here at six, okay.” he was gone before I could tell him it certainly wasn’t okay.

A phone rang somewhere in the house, distracting me. Following the sound led me to the kitchen. Biting my lip I pressed the button. "Hello?"

"Dr. Scotts?" a pretty female voice asked.
"Hold on." I said walking back out the door to the remaining group. "Dad." he looked up from his group instantly and Trista turned with him as I approached. "there is someone on the phone for you." I handed it over. A look flashed over Dad's face but it was gone and he disappear into the house with it leaving us to look after him. I looked after him while the adults looked down at me. Dad came back before I started fidgeting a look on his face that I knew to well. “Hospital?”

He paused then nodded. “Sorry,” he looked around the small group.

“No problem.” Mr. Moongood stood. “we should leave as well.”
“No, you’re welcome to stay-” but both of them were shaking their heads. Mrs. Moongood was already motion for her children. All thee of them met us at the door and filed in along with Alli and Nic. Dad had already disappeared inside.

Sage darted into the kitchen, her curls jingled as she grabbed something and skipped to catch up to her family. “Sage?”
She turned to me from her mother’s side. “don’t you want a cooked sausage.”

“No, I have one.” she waved the raw pale thing up for me to see.
“But- it’s not cooked..” I appealed to her mother and father. No one seemed to have a problem with it. All of them looked at me like I had the problem.

“They aren’t raw darling.” Mrs. Moongood said slowly. “just rare. it’s a family preference.” Of course it was.

“Oh,” I squirmed under all the sapphire stares. My own searching for the ground fast. “Sorry, didn’t mean-” when no one said anything. I cleared my throat. “Let me walk you out” I mumbled my offer leaving for the patio door before any of them could answer. They just follow.

We walked in silence they each nodded as I held the door open for them. Mrs. Moongood attempted a warm smile; luke warm. Little Sage managed a cheery wave before following her mama out the door munching on her sausage. Aiden didn’t meet my eye anymore but nodded my way. Maeve gave me a hug; I went ridged tensing in her embrace for a moment before relaxing. She must recover faster than her parents. She won’t hurt you. I tried to convince my body to relax a bit more.

I closed the door that was all of them-

“That was well done” an amused voice said behind me. I whipped around. Ciaran leaned against the wall of the corridor leading to the stairs.

“Excuse me?” now it was my turn for my voice to shake. He hadn’t talked to me all day. “You managed to unnerve my parents that‘s a feat” he said happily. “people usually don’t point out things like that to him. They just let us be.” Ciaran’s voice was like no ones I’d ever heard. Rough and velvety; inviting as honey as feral as a wolf. A deadly combination in my opinion. I loved it instantly. Autumn you are officially crazy.

“I don’t know what you mean.” I said angrily suddenly wishing he and his weird moods would leave. “If he doesn’t want me to know how he did it that is perfectly fine with me I was only curious” my voice shook a bit Ciaran pulled away from the wall prowling in my direction. Watching my every move it made me extremely self conscious.

“Haven’t you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?” he asked. He had stopped only a few feet away. I squirm a bit looking down at my feet before looking back at him. He hadn’t looked away if anything he had gotten closer. The problem with that was I hadn’t heard him move.

“Your family is waiting” I opened the door hoping he got the message. He did because he walked around me toward the door. Stopping when he was at the threshold, at my side turning to face me. His indigo eyes pierced me. Time stood still for what seemed like eternity. Before a firm hand stole mine. Ciaran’s hands were warm, smooth, he had artist hands. His nails were longer than most men would dare wear them. He took my hand and kissed it. I shivered, not just because he was touching me or because of the way he was looking at me. It was because I could swear a tooth scraped the surface of my hand. “Welcome to Rosharon.”

A smile leaked across his face; his perfect teeth gleaming like pearls in the dim lighting. I jerked my hand away more violently then intended.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He was still showing his teeth.

“I-” I stammered floundering around like an idiot. “I don’t know-”
“We’ll see you tomorrow Autumn.” If he was trying to reassure me then it wasn’t working but, I nodded again. As if waiting for my confirmation he turned on heels; his smile disappearing out the door with the rest of them. I didn’t wait to see if he made it safely to his car. I closed the door my first chance. Leaning my head on the cool glass of the French door; waiting for my pulse to slow and my cheeks to cool. I knew I was scarlet.

“Are you alright?” A loud voice made my head snap up. No I wasn’t alright. How could this happen? Why me?

“Fine” I said turning to face Dad.

“Good.” He paused, listening to the activity in the house. Nic and Alanna had scampered upstairs. We both heard the running of water. “Come here, I need to talk to you before I leave.” he headed toward the den and I had no choice but to follow.
"It's great having you kids here." He said, keeping his voice low. He plopped down onto the sofa motioning for me to sit beside me.

"We're excited to be here." I took a seat.

"You did good tonight, was everyone nice?"

"Can't complain" I shrugged.

"Made any friends?" he asked

"A few." Another shrug. I hadn’t talk to my dad in years. Now sitting down for a conversation was nothing short of weird. But it was long over due and needed to happen. I didn't want to keep hating him but years of trying to clean up the after math he left behind, it was hard not to.

"Have you had anymore of those. . .episodes?" He asked slowly almost hesitant.

"No." I winced, I said it to quickly. Why did he have to call them that. Then, there was no better name for them and it was what Alison told him they were. I bet anything she had. "Why are you asking?"

"Because I need to know these things Ladybug," he sat up straighter trying to look self righteous in his asking.

"well I haven't had any lately." not really.
I'd never be a good liar, not naturally anyway but I felt through years of practice I had become descent. He could smell it on me like a bee senses pollen on a flower.

"Your lying to me ladybug” I winced again, it was really grinding me that he kept calling me ladybug. It was like he was lying to me, trying to make it seem that things were the way they had been when I was child and our family was whole and intact. Not broken, he had no right to call me that. Not after what he did.

He hadn’t even told me he was going away, one day I came home to my Dad and a suit case. My heavily pregnant mom sitting at the table drinking. Nic really should have been born retarded, but someone upstairs was good. For the most part his cookies were all the way baked. I hadn’t understood what his leaving then meant, I guess in the back of my head I always thought he would come back. He never did, and I picked up the pieces for Mom best I could. No child should have to become the parent at eight, not to their own parent anyway. But him leaving made me do it. It made me become a different person because of it. I blame him for every bad thing that happen in my life. I blame Trista too, but not as much as Dad. All Nic’s suffering, all my grief down to these episodes, I couldn’t stop were in some way his fault.

“I’m not lying, I haven’t had any real episodes since I left Strange”

“Real episodes?”

“I-” I paused wondering if I really just wanted to tell him this. "I don't like crowds, to many people and things get a little. . " I shook my head hoping he would understand.
He didn't slowly his shoulders tensed. “You should have told me if you were-”

"I just needed a moment to get myself together.” I said quietly

“Still, you should have-” He shook his head, his face turning red as he thought about what could have happened if I snapped. "You doctor faxed me your prescription, I can have it filled for you." that meant he already did have it filled.

“You’re monitoring me?” I asked slowly my brain reeling.

"after what happen sweetheart, I think it is best.” he said gently.

“But I-”

"we don't know," he said gently. "I would feel better if you took it, just to see if it helps. The when we feel comfortable-" when he felt comfortable. "we can wean you off and see how it works out."

"But it won't happen again." I piped up, he was already shaking his head.

"We don't know that Ladybug, you were sick for so long." to him I was still sick.

I heard his frustration now. “This doesn't make any sense."

“I know.” My mind was slipper at times. I walked on thin ice in my own head any moment the waves of darkness would slip over me and-

“Think about it this way Autumn, I would rather even you out, than have Alanna and Nic-”

I hissed. "I would never hurt a child." under his gaze I flinched. "I wouldn't hurt them."

"We don't know that, Ladybug, look at where I'm coming from."

"I do-"

"Then you'll take them?" he asked. I paused and saw the tension go back to his shoulders.

"I- can I have a day to think about it?" he paused and after a moment, he nodded. I had a day.

"Will you at least tell me what happen?" Dad ask finally cutting off my thought. "Will you tell your new friends?"

“No.”

“I saw Daniel Garret and Ciaran talking to you, will you tell them?”

Without hesitation. “No”

His body sagged in relief, I’m guessing he didn’t want anyone to know his daughter should be in a straight jacket. I didn’t want them to know it either.

“Good.” Dad leaned back suddenly able to relax.

“Daniel is a good kid and the Moongood's are a real good family, nice people.”

odd people. I silently corrected.
He nodded his head to his own words “Both of them seemed to like you. If you catch my meaning.”

“Danny was nice." I admitted, Ciaran was something I couldn't put into words. "Ciaran didn't talk much."

"He's like you," I raised a brow and he clarified. "shy, until you get to know him." then what was he like I wondered.

Instead I said “I don't think he has any interest in me.” it was said under my breath but he still caught it.

“Are you sure?” he was a doubter Dad was.

“I’m sure.”

Dad nodded again as if he expected no less despite his earlier words. “That’s for the best i think, not that I’m discouraging, if it’s what you want.” he added hastily. “honestly, I would discourage any dating until we find out what’s causing your- problem." I kept my mouth shut.

“I could help you Autumn, if you just told me what happen, what’s wrong?”

I can’t, for the million and one time I can’t. I wanted to shout at him I couldn’t tell him, I didn’t want to tell him. It would be like reliving it all over again. “I can’t-”

“But you will.” He was confident, almost smug. Too bad he was wrong.

“No.” I whispered.

The man rounded on me so quick I nearly fell back into the sofa. It took everything I had not to bolt. He was staring down at me hard. None of the earlier warmth and indulgence in sight.
“No” he hissed “What do you mean no?”

No one seemed to think I knew what I was saying anymore.

“I mean,” I groped for a word, I didn’t know what I meant to say. shove off wouldn’t exactly be appropriate now would it? “I’m not ready to tell you yet, it's painful Daddy.” the name worked like I knew it would and yes, I knew I was playing dirty. It was a choice I would make again when I saw his face soften up and his voice lost the edge.

“Does anyone know at all?”

Yes “No.” Ashton knew. He and I had a blood pact, he wouldn’t tell and I trusted him. Of course Alison and Steve knew, Nic knew some of it but not all. I did my best to keep him as far from everything as possible.

Dad shook his head looking away from me and I could breath again. “I can’t help you till you want it.”

I said nothing staring down at my feet.

“I guess I better get going, I'm already running late.” his look said that this too was my fault.

"I-" there was something else. "Dad, Danny- Daniel asked me if I wanted to go running with him tomorrow." I waited but he said nothing. "Can I go?"

"Do you think you will be okay?" he asked and I nodded.

"Then go, maybe it will help you a bit." I nodded. Better to get this over with and done.

He stood pulling me with him. I was so tired my legs felt like piled jelly but there was something else I needed to say.
“Dad.” I grabbed his arm before he could walk away.

“Yea lady bug” repressing the shudder.

“Nic doesn’t know about my-” letting go of his arm now that I had his attention. I crossed my arms. “About my episodes, can we not talk about them in front of him or Alanna?” He nodded once and walked away and I watched him go. Waiting until I heard the click of the front door before heading in search of a shower then my bed. Where I hoped to sleep for an eternity.

Autumn III (Trying Not To Panic)

 CHAPTER 3

Don’t panic, I thought, do not panic. They could smell your fear they fed off of it and let it nourish them-
“So, everyone calls me Mae but my name is Maeve.” her nose wrinkled. “don’t ever call me Maeve.” I nodded, she motioned me to step closer to the group.

“This is Sienna Harris,” she pointed toward a tall pretty blonde girl sitting closest to them at the table. She nodded to me her face bored and disinterested, a second later she turned her attention back to her cell phone. “This is Emma Wallace.” she nodded to another girl who was about my height, maybe a bit taller with short brown hair, wicked green eyes and a douse of freckles across her face. She looked like pure mischief, and the opposite of Sienna, the bemused look covering her face made me want to step closer to the feral Mae and hide behind her.

When she spoke it was in a husky voice that I’d only heard actresses use in old movies that were recorded in black and white. “You’re Autumn Scotts-”

“Autumn Fernfield.” the correction was automatic.

“But your Dad’s last name is Scotts.”

I shrugged trying to play it off as no big deal. “When he and my Mom divorced she had our last names changed to Fernfield.”

In this group of rich kids I bet what I had just said was unheard of. After that Mae took me around the group introducing me to various people I would never remember the names of. She didn’t take me by Ciaran and he stayed on the opposite side of me, not matter which way I turned he was always the opposite. We ended up in the center of the group, between bodies. I could tell Mae revealed in it she liked being the center of attention, and the people like letting her be the center of attention.
Me, I was a whole other story sometimes. I was small for my age of sixteen soon to be seventeen. Standing at five’ five, with a willowy frame I was easily looked over and dismissed.

Nothing about me fit society‘s standard of beauty either. My skin was pale, the chalky kind where you could see my blue veins underneath a thin layer of skin. I had a strong lined nose that harden my face. I could never pass for a classic beauty. My lips were fine, I liked them they were full and soft and pink My hair was midnight black which did add a contrast to my face and hung until it reached lower than my mid back. But my favorite thing about myself was my eyes. Easily looked over before being ignored but they weren’t doing it now, there were people my age right now talking to me. They looked at me, sometimes even smiled when they caught me looking at them. It was too much.

Even as Mae said something that lulled the small group into laughter I mumbled an excuse that got me away from all the people. I had no idea where I was going only that it was away.
My feet started moving and I followed along heading toward the shadow of a building. The neighing of horses and the smell of hay told me I had walked to the stable. That was fine as long as it was quiet, pushing open the door I went inside.

The smell of beast was overpowering, but tolerable. there were two rows of stalls on either side of a singe walkway. four heads poked out the stalls eyeing me curiously.

“hello.” I murmured allowing my body to relax as I strolled down the row of horses taking extra care to avoid a large stallion sitting front and center to my left. Further down the line I saw a pretty chestnut mare. Her head leaned out the stall pricking her ears when I came forward she sniffed my hands. Her muzzle pushing against my hand asking to be petted. “Hello.” I murmured running my hand over her neck loving the feel of a steady pulse and her warmth. “Hello pretty girl.”

She neighed a soft sound in against my chest and I knew I was in love with her. “Oh you pretty girl.”

she butted against my chest uncaring that I had to hold onto her to stay vertical.

“Are you okay?” I jumped at the voice, I wasn’t alone anymore. Whirling toward the stable doors stood a figure. My body tensed as it came closer, it broke into a sweat when I saw it was a boy. I had met him but I didn’t remember his name. He was an extremely cute blonde boy. He had a straight lined face with chiseled features and strong nose. His ears were a tad to big for his head but instead of working against him they gave him character. He caught me staring and asked. “What’s wrong?” There should be more brown eyed blondes in the world. I thought but didn’t say that, my head shook back and forth instead.

“So you must be the sleeping beauty and runaway.” his smile was charming.

“I-” my hands were sweaty and smelled of horse and candy. My hair must have been full of hay from were I had plopped down, in other words I looked a horrible mess. If he saw what I was thinking he didn’t say anything.

“Why aren’t you out and about with everyone?” He asked curiously. “They are very curious to meet you.”

“It’s so many people.” I shuddered, I hadn’t been around so many people and so close in a while.

My hands skimmed over the chestnut’s muzzle, the warmth of her nose was calming, soothing. She nibbled on my fingers blowing a gust of hot air at me to find out they weren’t edible. “Sorry.” I murmured to her wishing I had a mint in my pocket to give her.
“Here.” I jumped when a hand came in front of my face. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” he said.

“I’m Danny by the way.” he extended a hand to me. I shook my head.

“I smell like horse.” I explained because he looked offended. “I’m Autumn.”

“Oh, I know who you are.” he purred. “Everyone here knows who you are.” I paused. “Your Dad has been talking about you two none stop since he told us you two were coming.” he went on.

That was even stranger, how could he talk about us when he knew nothing about us. “How do you know my Dad?” I asked leaning against the stall as well.

“We live next door, but that’s not saying much since the houses around here are acres apart, we live at the end of the street.” I nodded. “I guess that makes up neighbors.” he grinned not at all awkward about my lack of talking.

“I guess it does.” I murmured fighting a smile, it was hard when his was so infectious. “Does that mean anything?”

“It could.” he nodded his face very serious. “if you want it to I suppose.” he tilted his head upward to look at the beams. “I go for morning runs, and swims at night, we could do something in between.” he winked.

"I don‘t think so." I mumbled blushing bright in the dim light, praying he didn't see the heat seep into my cheeks and neck. I hated being so darn pale; it had its setbacks.

He must have seen because his smile grew and he didn't look away. Even when I hastily buried my head against the horse’s neck. I felt his eyes on me. When I finally turned back to him he was still looking at me and didn't look away when I raised a brow in his direction.

“Fine.” he muttered, even had the nerve to look disappointed. “how about just the running? Or the swimming could be good too.”

“I don’t swim, never learned.” I shrugged making it seem like no big deal.

“No problem.” he said easily. “if you’re anything like your brother, you’ll catch on- what’s wrong.”

“Nic. . . .” I shook my head, Nic was fine he had always been braver than I was. “It’s nothing. what were you about to say?”

“I was just about to say, I can teach you to swim.” he rocked on heels when I raised a dubious brow. “Really, I’m a certified life guard and everything. I know how to save a life.” he winked again and I looked away.

“It‘s-” he began when a shadow fell over the barn.

“Hey!” a velvet coated voice rang into the stable. “what are you two doing in here, alone.”

Ciaran stalked into the stable looking between the two of us. My face grew hot, burning hot even though I knew we had been doing nothing. Though if he saw the way I looked, he would think something had.

“I was roping Autumn into going running with me in the morning.” Danny breezed easily steeping in front of me hiding me from Ciaran’s calculating eye.

“Oh, well everyone is looking for her.” Ciaran went on glaring at me with his x-ray vision. “Her Dad said she hasn’t eaten anything all day.”

Danny rounded on me as if I had committed a crime. “what?” I asked defensively finding the big athletic looking boy unnerving. I hadn’t done anything wrong.

“you need to eat something, that’s what.” he stated my offense as if it was the ultimate wrong doing. “You will not be falling out on me at six o’clock in the morning.”

“six in the. . .” I groaned making him chuckle, slinging a causal arm around my shoulder carefully tucking me into his side he ushered me from the stable and back toward the crowd. I flinched but if he noticed it he didn’t acknowledge it. Ciaran followed at our side, his dark blue eyes shooting daggers in my side the whole way.

“You found her!” Mae exclaimed looking at me as if I had been very naughty.

I was relieved to see that she no longer surrounded by the whole group. “Come on,” she grabbed my hand pulling me away from Danny. “everyone is eating, Kevin said you needed to eat something or you’ll get sick.” I stiffen, but only for a second when I realized she had said more.

“yeah, I guess.” I muttered letting her lead me back toward the group. It seemed that half the party had left now only five or six remain. Danny’s mom and the Moongoods along with Dad,
Trista, and my brother and sister.

The four of us stalked toward the food tables, Mae and I leading the way, Danny and Ciaran bringing up the rear, stares burned into the top of my head that I had to work to ignore. Was it Danny or Ciaran? I wondered briefly before we were intersected by Dad and Mr. Moongood.

"You two should eat." it was Mr. Moongood who spoke to his to children.

Ciaran, who had been so painstakingly quiet spoke up then. "Aiden-"

"we are not going out to eat tonight" he said firmly.
I thought it was very rude to call your Dad by his name. What was wrong with Dad? But then I remembered all those pissed off times I’d cursed Kevin to the lowest pits of hell.

"But-" Ciaran went to argue. Leaning forward in his chair intent and jaw set stubborn. Mr. Moongood cut him off before he even got the next word out. Turning the slightest bit in his chair he sent his son a stern look.

"No." was all he said before turning back in his chair toward my Dad. Ciaran made a face behind his father’s back. Apparently he didn’t take rejection well. And he had just been denied in front of everyone. I loved it.

A giggle escaped my throat and those eyes instantly turned on me. He looked me over once again in what I guessed was suppose to be intimidating roaming over my face and down then back up. It worked but I never got my eyes to go down to the ground. All I could do was stand there and do my very best to breathe, not blush, and stop shaking. Satisfied that I wasn’t anything special he got up from his bench and walked toward the food brushing past me in the process. “Rude much.” I muttered. Some one beside me snorted. Danny.

My eyes found the ground before he turned back to me again. We stayed that way for what felt like an eternity until I heard.
“Ciaran.” it was Aiden. His Dad said something, I wasn’t sure what and just like that. Ciaran was on his way again. Away from me.

"Come on." Maeve tugged me and it was only then I realized she hadn’t let go of my hand in the first place. She led me after her brother to the food. It was all cooked and smelled meaty and- my stomach rolled again. I hadn’t eaten meat in years. I don’t even think I could stomach it anymore. Looking over the brown meat fresh off the pit, I spotted it. Green. Oh happy day, they had salad and carrot sticks and celery. That’s what I filled my plate with. Digging into the cooler I pulled out a Coke.

Looking about there was no place to sit; Nic sat with Alanna and Sage at a round table that had been placed near the pool for them. There were no extra seats and they looked to be having a lovely time. I’d rather burn to death then sit with Trista even if I was positive she would be charming in the presences of company. In the end there was only one place to go. Squaring my shoulders I walked over to the seat beside Ciaran; Maeve sat across from me with Danny. her attention focused on her plate of sausage. It changed to me as soon as I sat; she wrinkled her nose when I sat down with my plate.

"W-What?" I asked puzzled looking at my green leaves and vegetables on my plate.

"Sweetie, why are you eating rabbit food?" Maeve eyed the food as if someone had regurgitated it.

"I-Its a salad." I stammered defensively Maeve just wrinkled her nose; blue eyes eyeing my plate then looked at me.

"It’s rabbit food" she said again her face twisting into something between a scowl and a grin. How she did it, I had no clue. "don’t you want some real food?" I eyed the sausage. “It’s really good.” she popped a piece into her mouth.

“It was alive once, munching in a pasture and being fattened up. Never expecting it was be-” Oh God I was going to be sick. My stomach clenched then went rolling on an unforgiving rollercoaster.

“Well it doesn’t sound very appealing when you put it like that.” she said slowly giving me a “you are so weird look.” It was quickly gone. “Just try it though.”

"No thanks I’ll stick to my rabbit food" I took a bite of my salad. Maeve looked at me with mock disgust. I think it was mock.

"It’s rude to stare Maeve." I said irritably, it was easy to slip up and speak when I wasn’t looking at her directly. Looking over her shoulder was easier than catching her eye. She turned away quickly blushing slightly but didn’t look repentant as she turned back to her food. I couldn’t help but feel the bench and table vibrate. Ciaran, I realized was laughing. Silently, his lips curled trying to hide a smile and failing miserably. Danny wasn’t hiding anything, he shook the table with suppressed mirth looking between me and Mae who was growling looking down at her plate. She must not like being reprimanded anymore than her brother. I dared to take a look to my left. . .

Ciaran sat as far away from me as he could get. I was unsure of whether it was to be rude or if it was for my benefit. My money was on rude.

Autumns II ( Home ? )

CHAPTER 2

A quick tour was given and it wasn't what I expected. It was completely open and welcoming. You couldn't hide the warmth it gave off, you wouldn't want to. His house looked like it should been in a magazine. Like one of those home design ones. To our left was a what looked like a den it was white walled and furnished white excepted the for the dark wood floor and coffee table in front of the antique couch which really seem to bring the room together. The large chest against the wall I was sure contained a large television. To our right, across from the white den sat what seem like the dinning room. The table was already set and beautiful, blooming orchids I'd only seen on television sat in the middle of the table. The floor was a dark mahogany the same flooring flowed from den throughout the house or so it seemed.

"The master bedroom is down here, there's one upstairs too. The house has seven and a half rooms and four baths" he smiled at our baffled expressions. "I don't know why I'm surprised, Alison said you would do this"

"you spoke to her?" like really talked to her?
I looked at him confused, he was simply amused.

"Of course, how else would you be here." That wasn't what I meant, he had talked to Mom, as in they had held a conversation without yelling at each other. I couldn't believe that. Besides, Mom didn’t pay for us to get here. Diane did.
But I clamped my mouth shut as we stood in the entrance way near the stairs.

"Come on, your rooms are upstairs." he made for the stairs off to the side by the dinning room.

We followed him up the wood stairs to the second floor we came into the loft. There were scattered toys. On the back wall sat a large television playing Sagwa the Siamese cat on PBS. Dad looked apologetic. "Sorry for the mess, Alanna is only just six"
That wasn't an excuse. From the look of it our sister was the exorcist of toys. At her age neither Nic nor I would dare make half this mess back home. Alison would have our hides for a new rug and our fingers around her neck for a necklace.

"The restroom is here." he opened a door revealing a blue restroom toilet and tub. It was clean.

"Alanna's room is here," he opened another door that reveal a purple princess room. The walls were purple so was the bed comforter and most objects in the room.

“I’m guessing her favorite color is . . . purple” This came from my smart aleck brother. I shot him “shut your mouth” look which he pointedly ignored.

The wood was oak, like the loft it was a mess; toy, movies, games, books were thrown about everywhere on the bookshelf and floor. . . I don’t think Alanna has a floor in her room.

Dad closed the door quickly his face one of horror. “I imagine Alison would never allow you to keep anything so messy.”

We shook our heads in unison “She would knock us behind over” quoting Mom was easy for us. She liked that quote and you could find it in almost every story she ever wrote.

“I believe you; she always was a neat woman, never could stand anything so much as a hair out of place.”

"Duh!" The word nearly flew from my mouth and only years of conditioning kept them in my mouth. I chewed on them then swallowed it. Didn't he remember anything from Strange? He knew Alison has OCD. I knew Dad had to remember something about his old life. If he did it had to be that. Mom was a straight up neat freak. You think you did it right the first time, well with her you were sure to have it right by the tenth, if you were lucky.

“That’s mild.” Nic said and Dad laughed, a loud booming laugh leading us and our luggage down the hall. We came to the rail, looking down you could see the outside of a kitchen, you could also see the green bar counter tops and the painted white wood cabinets. Across the hallway sat what looked like a living room only this one looked lived in. The chocolate brown couches looked comfy and inviting forming a U around the back wall that held a giant flat screen plastered on the wall. With one glance down we were hurried along.

“Why so many televisions?”

“We don’t use the white room.” Dad said “only on occasion.”
We simply nodded. Dad just didn’t get it. Back in Strange our house only had one television. Mom thought it would spoil our brains so we weren’t allowed to watch it that often and Steve hoarded it, dragging it into the Master room, when it was moved to their bedroom and we weren’t allowed to watch it at all.

“Nic, Alison told me once you had a thing for all things paranormal, supernatural.” Dad grinned “I hope she was telling the truth, you’ll be sick of your room if that isn’t the case”

“My room?” Nic squeaked “you mean I don’t have to share?”

“I suppose if you want to but everyone else will have their own room.”

“Autumn even?” he asked looking up at Dad, if it hadn't been posed as a question I would swear it was a challenge. I cringed dropping my head to look at the floor but prepared for a move.
“Even Autumn.” Dad’s tone was so firm and serious that no one would dare doubt him. At the same time we turn to the right; he led us to a room.

“It’s your room Nic.” Dad said before he opened the door.
I watched my brother’s expression as he wandered cautiously into the room. He actually jumped when Dad turned the light switch behind him. His eyes bulged after that and continued to get bigger as he looked around the room, his room.

It was painted a midnight blue, Nic’s favorite color; the floor like everywhere else was wood. Against the wall to the right of us a comfy looking bed, big enough for Nic and me both. Beside it was a nightstand filled with books. The wall to the straight ahead was nothing but a bookshelves, rows upon rows of shelves filled to the brim with books. To the left wall there was a large window where you could see what lay in the back of the house. It had a pool and garden from what could be seen, further out you could see a red barn like in the movies. Most likely where the horses were kept then there was the pasture. I liked thinking that was what Nic would wake up to every morning.
Nic sat his suitcase down with a heavy thump on his bed. “this is all for me.”

My heart gave a painful tug at the wonder in his voice. Nic had never own so many things. Dad gave a kind smile in my brother's direction, his son. “Yes Nicius, it is all for you.” I watched the light grow on Nic’s face and I would forever be grateful to Dad for it.

We all stood silence for a long while. Each of us gathering ourselves, Nic had to bring himself back from the verge of tears and I wasn't far behind.

“Come on, you room is next Autumn, it is on the third floor." he walked out the room.

“third floor?” Nic looked up at me. I simply shrugged as we scampered after Dad. We followed him out along the rail heading to the left.

“There’s nothing here.” Nic said for we had come to dead end. Dad just smiled a secret smile, reaching up he tugged on a cord. The rod came down along with a ladder. I was so startled I jump back shrieking. Nic snickered.

A secret door appeared. Dad tested the ladder pushing it down against the door. “Autumn’s sleeping in the attic?” Nic’s brows crinkled together.

“You’ll see” he ushered me up first. It took longer because of my luggage. Nic came up next, we stood in the dark waiting for Dad. The only light was coming from a window across the room.
We heard him come up before there was the click of a light. The room was flooded with light. What I saw had my bag crashing onto the floor with my jaw.

My room was amazing. Tranquil with its green color playing off the white trim borders and the light wood floors.
“Look at your fan!” Nic pointed excitedly.

I looked up, of all the things to become excited about I loved my fan the most. A light wood fan with the waved straw pillars. like the ones you hear about in mega expensive tropical hotels. yea- I had one in my room.

My bed, I loved it instantly too. Silly to be so worked up but - I’ve never had my own before. . . I’ve always either shared with Nic or- I shook my head. I wouldn't think that way. Not now, not ever if I could ever learn to control it. He was part of my past and that was where he belonged.

“I love it.” Indeed I did. How could I not? Looking to my left side there was a book case going straight down along the wall.
“Alison said you like to write.”

“I do.” I managed a nod.

“you’re really good.” Dad went on. “Alison sent me some of your work sometimes, your writing is delightful. you should have it published”

“no!” I shook my head embarrassed and pleased all the same.
“I write for myself, its what I do- I couldn’t bare for other to read my writing."
Dad raised a brow “besides family” I added.
“That’s too bad, Alison would be proud of you.”
No she wouldn't, she had never been proud of me as far as I was concerned. I could sell hundreds of best sellers and I still wouldn't matter to her anymore.

"My writing could never compete with mom's” I said slightly defensive despite myself.

My mother, our mother was Alison Fernfield, turned Alison Jackson. One of the biggest paranormal romance writers of the time. Mom’s stories were full of vampires, witches werewolves and humans entwined with a forbidden romances and suspense. Her new release was already a best seller. That’s where Nic got his love for the supernatural from; Alison had been feeding it to him since he was an infant. In his mind vampires and wyrewolves were a normal part of everyday life.

“you’d do well enough.”

I jumped feeling a arm slink across my shoulders, then I tried not to cringe. Dad was standing next to me, looking at me. I stared down at the floor.

“you have your own bathroom too.” he nodded in the direction of door adjacent from the window. “Right through there.”
I smiled thanking him again. In return he gave me a small shake. Then I did cringe, his hand dropped instantly and he stepped away putting a healthy distance between us. I wanted to curse and sigh at the same time.

“I’ll leave you two to get settled” He kept backing toward the door. “Don‘t take to long, there are a few people who I do want you to meet.." He had a foot on the ladder.
At the same time we all heard a loud rumble; we both turn to Nic who looked only slightly abashed.

“Hungry?”

Nic nodded with a weak smile. He hadn't eaten since yesterday. Well, Dad and I looked amused, Nic was grinning like a silly fool.

"Food would be nice." Nic hopped forward.
Dad left down the ladder Nic following him. Their voices could be heard in the otherwise silent house. Nic was asking about the horses and Dad answering him back. When I couldn’t hear them anymore I set about unpacking, not at all eager to join the people outside. It wasn't much because I didn't have much. I didn't even have enough clothing in my possession to fill up three drawers of one of my dressers. My closet sat empty except for my little suitcase and backpack, and a box that a friend had given me. What was I going to do with all the extra space?

After arranging the few accessories and some perfume in the bathroom which was decorated like my room with autumn leaves, it consisted of a sink toilet and shower/tub. I was at a loss of what to do next.

This process had taken me the less than an hour. Before I turned to the bigger job of organizing my vast collection of books. I had a box and a half the other was filled with my work. My tablets for I loved to write; anything and everything. Truly being Alison’s daughter I wanted to be an author. But would never meet her standards. I was miles off from where I should be.

I collapsed on my bed, my bed, it felt nice. Dad had obviously put work into our rooms. My comforter was spread and pillows neatly arranged so that when I fell down there was the crunch of new sheets and pillows scratching together. There was really no hurry to go out there and meet everyone, it was rude but I had to put it off. The mere thought had me hyperventilating. The ceiling fan went round and around in lazy circles fanning a light breeze down my way-I didn’t even remember falling asleep.
An explosion slammed into my middle. A scream caught in my throat, I would have jumped up if the force wasn’t still holding me firmly in place. Oh no. I forced myself to remain calm. I reminded myself that I was safe.

When I was able, one eye opened, then the other. I sighed at the sight of my step sister, then it turned to a groan. She was sitting on my stomach her green eyes staring at me. “Alanna?”
“Daddy said I was to come tell you to come downstairs.” she sat up still sitting on me. “You’re being very rude.”
My stomach let out a low growl letting me know I had skipped out on the my snack earlier.

“I‘m sorry.” I hadn’t meant to fall asleep. She was still staring so I stared back. "You can get up now." She didn't move.

“Nic is looking for you too.” she said jumping off my chest at last.

Guilt washed over me. I hadn‘t mean to leave Nic alone to face all those people. “He’s fine, everyone is eating.”

“Well I’ll be down in a second.”
I ran a hand through my curly mess of hair.

“you might want to freshen up we have company.” those emeralds raked me over one last time. “you should bathe.” she wrinkled her nose “you don’t smell very nice.” The urge to fling a pillow at her was overwhelming.

Apparently, she knew what I was thinking because little Alanna scampered down the ladder disappearing into the house.

Sitting up and stretching was a luxury. When I stood I sniffed myself, I didn’t think I smelled bad. I smelt like my favorite perfume. I smelt like pomegranate and my hair smelt the same. Though I did agree I needed to change. I was still in traveling clothes; sweat pants and my favorite TMNT shirt. Very comfortable.

After seeing myself changed into a comfortable pair of jeans and nice sleeved shirt I slid into a pair of flip flops, the only pair I owned, before heading down the ladder. Following the way Dad took us I found my way to the stairs. When I arrived the kitchen was empty but the smell of food lingered. Meat, my stomach rolled and heaved.

“Hello?” I called to the empty kitchen. I could hear the sound of people an talking but didn’t see them.

“Dad” no answer.

“Nic? Alanna?” quiet.

“Dad!?” I yelled but no one answered, the empty room gave an unnerving echo.

A loud tap made me jump twirling around Nic grinned at the window, drenching wet.
“Come on.” he all but pulled me through the sliding glass door. The sun was blinding.

“come on, Dad said we could get in the pool.” I frowned. Nic couldn’t swim but I followed him any way.

It was even worse than I could have thought possible. The instant I stepped out the back door with Nic all eyes turned our way, toward the new kids. "Come on." Nic murmured in my ear his hand rubbing up and down on my arm, he pulled me forward and I walked with him feeling eyes on my back the whole way.

Dad intersected us on our journey to the pool. Nic having already filled his social obligations earlier was free to go and have fun. Dad took firm hold of my shoulder and didn't let go.

“Autumn.” Dad seized me pulling me near. “There you are Ladybug.”

“Yeah, Dad I’m sorry I just. . . fell asleep.” I winced but he was already shaking it away.

“It’s fine, come on there are some people who are waiting to meet you.” he was already pulling me forward into the yard where the people were standing an mingling in.

Over toward the back of the group I could see people that looked around my age but I ignored them as I smiled and let Dad introduce me to his friends who were no doubt their parents. I met the Garrets, Walleces and the Blakits, both reminded me of the snobby people I use to read about in books, the ones who thought themselves very up in society and had the money to back up their beliefs. I could only imagine what their children were like. Dad tugged me forward and onward, he introduced me to some other people who I would never remember the names of, he always pulled me on after I opened my mouth and said "nice to meet you." He must have been afraid I would say something else in the next breath.

I never did as I followed meekly at his side, he introduced me to Alanna's godparents, the Moongood’s. The man's name was Aiden and his wife's name was Luna. From what they and Dad told me they had three children two girls and a boy who were also here.
Dad explained that all three were usually at his house and Sage, that was their youngest, had frequent play dates with Alli.

I tried to smile, it didn't come easy but my interest heighten with every word they spoke. It was something in the way they spoke that had me wanting to hang on to their every word. But it was something about the way they looked me over, as if they were assessing me from head to toe that had me stepping closer to Dad. "Trista!" it was an exclamation that made me jump straight toward the other couple my head swerving around in every direction.

Dad's voice confirmed my worst fear. A petite willowy blonde figure stepped out the house. Dad was beside her in an instant kissing her cheek, thank god. I might have been sick if it had been on the lips.

I wasn't trying to be mean by thinking that. I'm only speaking the truth. Never had I been able to see what my Dad saw in her; it must have been enough to leave Mom and his two children for. She was a nurse, a fresh out of college one, when she met Dad and a friend of Alison's. She had to be a couple of years older than I am now when she had Alanna to make the dates match up.

I was so nervous my knees could have knocked together I hadn't known exactly when I would have to meet Trista but I had planned to keep the meeting as quiet and short as possible. With all the people around I didn't see how that was going to happen. But there was a good thing about them being around, I had witnesses. As she came forward there was another thing I hadn't expected. "You're pregnant?" I just blurted it out though it was painfully obvious when turned around. She was nothing but belly and it swelled at her middle pointing in a direction and leading the way.

"Yes." she said smiling at me warmly, a hand going to rub her melon belly. "Due soon, we hope."

Dad was at her side with a hand around his wife's shoulders leaving me to stand with the strangers. "Another girl I'm afraid." he smiled told everyone he was joking. No one could mistake the joy on Dad's face but I wished I could.

"That's wonderful." I gushed, trying to fix the smile I had perfected since childhood in place. "really great." it felt like a piece of plastic had lodged in my throat. By the approving smiles and nods we were receiving it must not have shown how much I wanted to gag. I really wanted to heave, all over her shoes.

"Isn't it." she smiled, her blue eyes holding all the welcome of an agitated rattle snake. "I'm glad you've come to stay with us." no she wasn't. "Kevin and I did everything in our power to make sure you would have a smooth transition-" I flinched when she paused. "I know things are a bit different for you down here but, we'll do everything we can to make you feel welcome." she went on her smile growing wider and wider.

If she could pretend, so could I. "Thank you, I, we, feel welcome already." it wasn't in me to play right now. I didn't have the nerve to embarrass her in front of all her friends and if she wanted to, I knew she had more dirt on me than I was willing to acknowledge.

"Well that is lovely." Luna said behind me, I jumped forward into Dad. He grabbed me holding me still. How had I forgotten who stood behind me? Both of them looked between Trista and I. It was Mrs. Moongood who spoke in her lovely honey coated voice. "Trista you must-" I didn't hear the rest of it as the red headed woman grabbed my step mother leading her away from us. Around our little group everyone turned back to their original conversations.

"Well come on," Dad hauled me forward. "lets get you introduced to the rest of the group." My stomach clenched as he began to drag me over to the group of teenagers, six in all from the look of it. three girls and three boys.

"Dad, I don't-"

"Come on Lady bug, it'll be good for you to meet people your own age." he pulled me forward with merciless intent.

“Possibly.” I said vaguely. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I didn’t make friends easy.

That I was an outcast and my best friend and only friend was another outcast named Ashton Caste. He was my only friend because he was the only one who hadn't been scared of me. The only one who had really ever cared to get to know me and didn't care who I was or what I looked like. We were both different so the town treated us that way. They didn't accept me because they knew nothing about me. It was funny how the mind could draw conclusions about someone you didn't even know. It didn't matter, I had more important things to think about that worrying about being accepted by Strange town. Ashton and I accepted each other and that's all that mattered. Looking at this bunch of rich brats I was sure the rules wouldn't change. They would look at me and I would be cast aside as unimportant.

Dad tugged me forward and slowly the heads turned in our direction and the color rose in my cheeks, he was really about to do this to me. "Hey kids," Dad stopped a few feet from their table and made sure he had everyone's attention.

"Hiya Kevin." a beautiful red headed girl stood, stepping away from her friends and towards us. "What's up?" her sapphire blue eyes glinted in the sun sweeping over my mundane appearance, like I thought I would be, she dismissed me turning back to my Dad.

"Mae," Dad smile at her which she returned. "this is Autumn, Autumn this is my goddaughter Maeve Moongood." I nodded. There was no way I could mistake her for anyone but a Moongood child and through glances I had caught a glimpse of her younger sister Sage, the both looked exactly like their mother.

"Nice to meet you." she didn't hold out a hand but her smile was warm with a bite that had me wanting to cringe. What was with these people? My eyes met the ground as I murmured a "hello."

There was nothing I could begin to think of saying to the stunning Maeve. She looked like a girl you’d see modeling swimsuits and Kelvin Jeans more so than an eighteen year old daughter. Her hair was a fiery red flowing in a flaming sheet down her back past her shoulders. Her skin was surprisingly tan, it wasn’t surprising in this heat. I cringed, I don’t know why I did it just seem like the most sensible thing to do. She reminded me of someone that scared me. It was a fight to keep from shaking, she wasn't right. She didn't feel right and she was near enough for me to tell the difference. She put me in the mind of a lazy sated predator who had finally chosen it’s prey and if it weren’t full, the hunt would be on. Like she was reading my gruesome thoughts she winked, smiling a lazy arrogant smile, that had me wanting to take an extra step back when she flashed it my way. I turned my head south, toward the ground focusing on that trying to steady myself. She took a step toward us and I stepped back a shudder rolling over my body. "Mae-" it was Dad's voice. The girl stopped, looking at Dad then she wasn’t coming over to us anymore.

"Are you okay?" my shaking hadn't stopped and I needed to sit down bad. Bravely, I nodded there was no point in backing out now.

"I'm fine." I murmured back, Dad gave my shoulders a light squeeze.

"And this is her brother Ciaran." Dad tugged me forward toward the figure in the back of the group I hadn't noticed. When I saw him I didn't see how I could have possibly looked this boy over. He like his sister was beautiful, handsome I corrected. Both his parents had give just the right amounts on both ends to create the perfect specimen. He looked close to perfect. Ciaran was tall and lean. His skin was like the rest of his family, tan. He could easily join is sister in the modeling category but being a artist was what I would peg him as. Even if his work was hideous he would be the main thing on display. He couldn’t be anyone but Mrs. Moongood’s son, his features were hers set in masculine form; his lips were tantalizingly full, a pink that most girls would kill to find in a lip gloss. His eyes were the deepest had of blue I’d ever seen, they weren't sapphire at all they were indigo. In the sun I could see the flashes of violet streak through them from where I stood. Yes, he was painfully gorgeous. The kind of guy that all the girls would do anything to be with him and all the guys would do anything to get away from. The same could be said for his sister Maeve. Both looked more close to perfection then anyone had a right to.

My fingers itched as I fell in love with his hair instantly, masses of coal black hair darker than my own ebony black, hung in boyish curls to his ears in neat disarray if there was such a thing. The kind a girl would want to shush on a date. A guy like this didn’t have a girlfriend; he probably had one everyday of the week, maybe not.

Like with his sister he looked my way and I saw the same glint that ran my blood cold and willed my feet to run in the opposite direction. My eyes willed, searched and floundered for the ground again by the time I found it my face was hot again.

“Nice to meet you.” I murmured, there was no response.

“It’s okay Kevin, I’ll take care of her.” Mae’s silky voice cut into the silence in our little group.

“Well-” his eyes bore into the top of my head. I shrugged turning to the small group of teens.

“I’m fine,” he had already delivered me to the wolves den, might as well stay and see if they would eat me. Besides, he couldn’t hover forever.

“Have fun.” he gave me a quick squeeze before heading back to his guest leaving me with Mae and the others.

Autumn's Beginning (Autumn Wyre Series: Book 1) *Finished* - Our New Beginning

 http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/234369-autumn-s-beginning-autumn-wyre-series-book-1-finished?chapter=1

CAPTER 1

Our New Beginning

“He doesn’t want us you know.” Nicius whispered from his window seat.

“Don’t be stupid” I snapped. I didn’t mean to really but ever since the plane took off he had been voicing my worst fears.
What if he didn't? Would he keep his promise? He would meet us at the airport right? He wouldn’t abandon us. . . would he? All these question spun in my head leaving me dizzy.

“Do you think he’s going to be there?” Nic turned his puppy dog eyes on me. “He never has before.”
He had no idea how true that was. Dad had never been there for either of us.

Well, he had for me when I was still a kid, but never after I turned nine. Once he eloped with his nurse and current wife that had been it. He had left us without a second thought, and as far as Nic and I knew he never looked back. That had been eight years ago.

If I had to face rejection I would have rather faced it alone. I've never been good under pressure either and when people were counting on me, well, that just made everything so much worse. It was like the universe was determined I fail and those who believed in me go down because of their faith... That's the reason I was sitting here on this non-stop plane to Texas with my little brother in tow. Because I had failed and he had believed I could get us out safely. That was okay though; I preferred him being with me than the woman who called herself our mother.

“Trista doesn’t want us there.” he said solemnly, his big grey eyes were still peering up at me. I knew that he wanted me to lie to him. He wanted me to tell him our step mother adored us and wanted us to come stay with them but I couldn’t lie to him. Our situation was the exact opposite.

The woman hated us. She didn’t like Nic because he was a boy and her husbands' only son. She hated me for being his first child, a constant reminder of his first marriage and what they both had done. I remembered it all.

“She’ll get over it.” I lied, at the same time wrapping my arm around Nicius. He leaned his head on my shoulder again letting me stroke his black curls. Something he hadn’t let me do a lot lately. He was scared. “You should sleep, we both should.” I insisted. We both needed to sleep, neither of us had been able to fall asleep last night in the airport terminal mom had left us in. Our plane tickets had been for 6 o’clock this morning. We were both excited but just for different reasons.

Nic press the call button because I knew he loved to do it while I asked for two pillows and blankets. Nic was asleep instantly, leaning his pillow on my shoulder. It was harder for me.

Other thoughts spun in my head. Like the fact that nothing would be the same anymore. I could feel that deep in my bones. I was happy to leave my old life. I was more than happy to leave Steve. Thrilled I wouldn’t have to feel his fist on my skin anymore. Happy to leave our small three bedroom house in Nebraska. I was happy with and better off without those things.

Now mom could be happy with Steve; he loved, like everyone seemed too. He just didn’t like Nicius and me. The feeling was mutual. I wasn’t worried about Mom, Steve would make her happy.

He had always been able to do that better than Nic and I could ever hope to. It was Nic I was worried about. He was only eight and our mother had just dumped us like hot potatoes for a donkey when he was two years old. Not to mention, Nic had been abused by Steve as much as I if not more in his own way.

I shuddered, drawing the blanket closer around me. My fingers picked at the stitches on my neck.
Never again would another person hurt Nic. Ever. I vowed this one thing to myself. No one would hurt him the way they had. No one would hurt him the way I had. With that promise heavy on my heart I finally drifted.

A flight attendant woke us. She was nice enough waking us with a smile and warm southern voice. While I was instantly alert looking about the plane, Nic was slow to wake and “muddled brain” as I called him. He grumbled to himself as I handed him his carry-on before grabbing mine. We were guided off the plane by the same attendant who woke us.

“Good luck.” she told us before flouncing off.
“She must be reading my thoughts?” I mumbled, guiding Nic to pick up our luggage. Good Luck indeed we would need it.
The only thing I would remember about Hobby Airport, was its crowd. Other than that, the airport was unbearably cold. Close enough in temperature to rival the winters back home.

“It’s freezing in here.” Nic at my side chattered as we waited for our luggage. I threw my sweatshirt at him which he snatched gratefully. He shrugged into it looking like a little beggar child when he was done. Thee sweat shirt was several sizes to big; even for me it could have been a short dress. On Nic it was huge, he had to roll the sleeves several times before he could grab his bags.

“Is Dad picking us up here?”

“He was suppose to meet us at the gate.” that’s what Mom had said at least.
Nic looked about nervously while I grabbed the last bag. We’d come with four pieces of luggage between us the rest Mom said she’d send when we were settled, we would never see that stuff again. The more important stuff we had sent ahead.
“I don’t see him.” Nic complained his grey eyes scan the crowd.
I scan the horizon too. The crowded terminal gave no sign of him “I don’t see him either”

Nic looked about to panic.
“Don’t worry; its just the traffic here, see” I looked around the airport, Nic followed my gaze, his eyes growing big at the sight of all the people buzzing around him. “See how crowded it is in here, he’ll be here.”

It didn’t sound convincing even to my own ears. But Nicius nodded he still fidgeted at my side next to our luggage where we stood close to the terminal. His eyes scan the crowd for Dad, though I’m quiet sure he hadn’t seen dad except in old photos I had of him.

Snap Crackle and Pop, I thought, Nic hadn’t even been born when Dad walked out on us. This would be the first time he ever met our father. I sent a prayer that our father showed up. If he didn't I had three thousand in my pack; a gift from Ashton and some of it I had saved from work. We would stay up in a motel, I could work until I had the money for a car and some saved up. Nic could even go to school. . .

"But they don't let you check into those things till your eighteen" a minor set back. I brushed that thought to the back of my head. I would cross that bridge when it came.

If Dad didn't show, we would make our own way. We were free and that's all that mattered. There was no way we were going back north to Mom and Steve. A sharp prod in my ribs pulled me out of my reverie. I looked down at Nic who was nudging me hurriedly; I caught his hand before he could bruise me again.

"What?"

"That man is looking at us" Nic pointed across the near empty terminal, indeed there was a man looking at us. He stood off the wall, in gray slacks and white shirt tucked in nice, his hands in his pockets. He was to far away to see his facial features.

"Is it Dad?" Nic asked anxious "He's coming over, he's coming over!" the squirt nearly jump out his seat. "see it's Dad! that’s Dad!" he yelled, I had to shush him but he still looked like a bobble head at shaking in his chair.

Craning my neck, I got a look at the stranger in question. Indeed, he was coming over. Oh Damn.

The closer he got the more I could make out his features; they were keen and sharp, set grim from what I could see from my perch. "he doesn't want us." I thought in dismay when he stopped about a foot from us his grey eyes were stern but not unkind.

"Are you Autumn and Nicius?" he turn to both of us in term putting name with face, staying on me the longest.

I simply nodded, Nic was frozen. This was the man who left mom, he was the one who sent Christmas and birthday cards in the same package at the beginning of every school year, I could imagine the thoughts running through Nic's head because I was thinking them too.

I stood hoping to give Nic a moment. "You're our dad?" didn't hurt to check.

"That's what Alison told me," our dad said grimly, but for a moment he smiled and his eyes held humor. Then smile left quickly but the humor remain. He must not have been sure what to make of us, the feeling was indeed mutual.

Without any warning or preparation, on our parts, Nic jump up throwing himself at Dad. It seem everyone froze, the near empty terminal seem to tense; I know I did out of fear for my brother if Dad rejected us he would try not to act like it didn't matter but we both knew the rejection of both parents would cut him deep. For all his bravery he was only eight. As for Dad his grey eyes were shocked and a little scared, he was scared by Nic's reaction, so I thought till his grim set mouth turn up. His laugh caught me more off guard than anything. It boomed with delight. Putting his arm around Nic he said "Defiantly Alison's child." He saw me watching over the top of Nic's head and added "Both of you."

I nodded but frown and had to look away. We were Alison's children. We looked like our mom but we were his too. This was something he apparently didn't get yet.

"Come on, it's an hour drive home and we really need to beat the traffic" He grimaced "wouldn't want to traumatize you you're first time in rush hour" I was puzzled.

I had been in traffic before, cars were slow and piled up but we eventually got to our destination if a little late. What was so terrible about a little traffic?

He had let go of Nic's shoulder's but still held his hand. Nic was ecstatic, while I retrieved a luggage cart and pack our things on it. Silently, I thanked God, Dad seem to want us or a least wanted to get to know us. Following them out the crowded airport into he hectic dark damp garage where his Lexus waited.
Nic's eyes bulged to saucer proportions as we loaded up. As for me, I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped cracking when it hit the cemented ground. By Dad's chuckles I knew we both looked ridiculous. Shaking back to myself I finish up loading our luggage and climbed in shot gun.

Houston was huge. I know it won't mean much. Since I never left our small of Strange town, Nebraska since I was nine. With its small population of two-thousand residence. Strange wasn't anything compared to this. So, Houston was huge, freeways with in all directions with enough turns to make you dizzy. In Strange there was one freeway that circle the whole town and not near as many stores, the main hangout was the gas station or if we were really in a celebratory mood; the movies. We had a small quaint one nothing as grand as the ones we kept passing. This was madness never had I seen so many stores.

The sun was shinning bright it reflected off Dad's black paint with a brilliance to make me squint. What I saw had me cringing in horror. Cars swerved past us so many car. I'd never seen- Cars, SUVs and trucks; in different colors ; blue red white and black. I was bewildered to see a pink truck race past us only to hop back in front of us into an impossibly small opening.

Dad swore, slamming his breaks to avoid the collision. As a result we received angry honks behind and in front of us. Nic who was seated in the back slam into the back of my seat so hard my head jerk with the impact.

"put on your seat belt!" I yelled behind me.

"Nic you ok?" Both of them were clearly upset. Dad looked in the rearview mirror at Nic who nodded, as he fasten his seat belt.

"Do they always drive like this?" he asked looking out his window.
"Like bats out of hell?" he asked, his grin back "I'm afraid so, I suppose that doesn't happen very happen in Strange town."

"Never, we mostly ride bikes. Only the rich kids had good cars" Nic explained

"you had a car?" his question was directed at me.
I shook my head "Mom did, but she only let me drive on errands that I would need it." I didn't tell him that when Steve moved in I used the car even less. Steve was lazy and made us pay for it. He could drive to the bar but I had to walk to work to work on swollen feet to pay for a car that I never use.
I had my license but I never use it. It sat in my wallet collecting dust.

"We'll have to get you a car then. you can't ride around here on a bike." he laugh "we'll find you a car, one good on gas" he winked I just stared at him. "Have I grown two heads?" he teased
"Kinda." I said turning to look out my window a again.

Gratefully, Dad didn't ask me to explain. He wouldn't like the answer.

I listened as he asked Nic questions about how he was. Anyone could tell that he was pleased. As I watch, we left Houston city limits. We passed Missouri City. We made in to Rosharon within the next hour.

Looking out the window watching the outside; slowly the stores became less, there weren't as many houses and they were spread apart. I watched the urbanization desterilize and watched as pastures, cattle, and country took its place. This was something I knew.

"Are we close?" Nic whined in an "are we there yet" voice I had never heard from him.

"In the next ten minutes you should see the house."
After the first three minutes he ask. "What does it look like?"

"Large white stone and wood house; with a wrap around porch. . . " He went into a full description off his house he'd had it built when he marry Trista.
"I see it!" Nic jumped up excited "I see it!"

I felt Dad beside me grin. I was scanning out the window looking for what Nic was seeing. It didn't take long; I know my mouth was open again. Dad was chuckling but I couldn't help it nor did I care. His house was amazing.

A three story, from the look built with white stone and a wood porch that disappear around the bend. . . . so many windows. It was gorgeous.

"that’s your house?" He turned into a subdivision called Sun Creek.

"Yep, yours too as long as you'll stay."
I couldn't help it , that was so surprising I had to look at him. He was sincere; you couldn't fake that. Quickly, I turn away before he changed his mind. "thank you."


We turn off on the street Horseshoe lane. We were further from the main road than I'd thought. We could see it but the cars looked like dots flying by. Something wasn't right, I waited for him to pass by all the cars that were blocking a house, but when he turned into the driveway.

"Dad-" horror climbed. "Who are all those cars?"

"Friends, they wanted to come and meet you two," he was very pleased and cheerful.

"A lot of people?" Nic asked from the back seat, I could feel him shooting worried glances into my already sweating back.

"Not many, just close friends and neighbors, we decided to just make a barbeque out of it, as a welcome."

"Dad, Autumn doesn't eat meat." Nic murmured

"Really, Alison said-" a troubled look passed over his face but was quickly gone.

"It's okay Dad, I'm not hungry." Just looking at all the cars and thinking about all the people waiting had my stomach churning and knotting up. I would never eat again.

"Well come on." He climbed out the car, Nic hurrying after him. I was last to climb out; outside the sounds of chatter and laughter filled the air. A shiver ran down my back. "You okay Lady bug?" a hand landed on my shoulder.

"Yeah," I lied ducking under his hand and grabbing my bag to get away from his touch. "I'm fine."

He led the way to the house, up the wooden steps onto the wide porch. His hand never touched the knob before the door swung open. There was a streak of blonde and a smack of two bodies colliding. Swiftly followed by the whoosh of air leaving the body. "Alli!" Dad wheezed clutching the figure to his torso.

"Are they here?" she jumped and jumped again.

"Yes," Dad turned the two of them toward our direction. "This is your sister Autumn, and your brother Nicius.

"Nicius?" Her nose crinkled. "Why is your name so funny?" asked the blonde pixie darling.

Uh oh, I winced snatching for Nic before his tongue got the better of him.

“Nicius sounds like. . . well it sounds weird.”

She turned to me. “isn’t Autumn a season? That's what my teacher said.” she looked between me and Nic “your mama named you funny."

and your mom’s a- "Alli!" Dad started but Nic cut him off
“no more then Alanna.” Nic grumbled beside me. I could already tell he didn’t care for our half sister. She hadn't grown on me yet either... she must take after her mother.

“What?” she stepped away from Dad’s side, her face indigent and huffy. She looked on the verge of a tantrum. I clamping my hand over Nic’s mouth “He means we seem to all live up to our names; Alanna means happy cheerful." I shifted my hand because Nic squirmed under it trying to get free. I held fast. “you certainly seem that way- don‘t you dare." I hissed angrily at Nic. Under my hand he had pucker his lips in the promise of a huge spit bomb in my palm.
He wiggled again and I released the little ungrateful bugger, pinching him once warningly to be quiet. He did as bid, for now.
“Everyone is waiting to meet you.” Alanna announced not as cheerful as before.
“So we’ve been told.” Nic rocked back on heels.
“I’m going to go tell them that you’re here-”
“Tell them I’m going to get them settled in before they come and meet everyone.” Dad interjected but the little blonde was already down the hall and into the house before Dad finished his sentence.
“Wow.” Nic watched his half sister skitter down the hall and disappear. I knew exactly how he felt. I knew of her, Diane had told me that she existed because Dad had thought it a concern when out living arrangements had come up. I had been told about Alanna Scotts but it was a whole different thing to see her in person. I agreed with Nic. Whoa.